Lucic's tough play helps propel Bruins

[Forkboy]

Can you find the connection?

The Boston Bruins finished last in the Northeast Division three seasons ago, amassing just 76 points. They improved to third place two seasons ago with 94 points and won the division and finished atop the Eastern Conference last season with a 116 points.

Milan Lucic helped lead the Vancouver Giants to the Memorial Cup three seasons ago. He had 8 goals and 19 assists as an NHL rookie two seasons ago and improved to 17 goals and 25 assists last season, mostly as the left wing on the first and second lines.

Coincidence? Not a chance.

Lucic has been as integral a part of the Bruins' revival as Tim Thomas, Zdeno Chara, Marc Savard or any other player on the roster. Lucic brings a level of consistent toughness to the Bruins that few teams have. As a result, the Bruins recently signed Lucic to a three-year contract extension.

Lucic earned the Bruins' "Seventh Player Award" as a rookie, an honor voted on by the fans and given to the Bruins player who performs above and beyond expectations.

Lucic led the Bruins and tied for fifth in the NHL last season with 262 hits, one season after finishing second on the team to Chara as a rookie with 181 hits. Lucic is tough because he plays the game hard and fair. He can fight -- there's plenty of video evidence on the Web -- but he has kept his fights to a minimum because his coaches told him to. His toughness also can be measured by his 33 blocked shots, which ranked 19th among NHL left wings. He also had 33 takeaways. He also had 136 penalty minutes. Included were 10 major penalties, but no game misconducts or match penalties.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=501377&navid=DL|NHL|home

I can't believe anyone voluntarily fights this guy.